Ben Foster’s contribution has been outstanding, helped by a central defensive partnership few could have forseen as being so successful back in its infancy.

Gareth McAuley could quite easily start a sentence and, with some confidence, leave Jonas Olsson to finish it off. Their existence is helped by Youssouf Mulumbu, whose discipline has markedly improved as a result of Yacob’s presence.

Liam Ridgewell and Goran Popov are strong left-back challengers, although right-back options are a worry.

Up front Albion are well stocked in terms of variety and, in James Morrison, they have a gifted and elegant ‘No.10’ in all but squad number. His progression over the last two years has been a privilege to observe.

Albion’s performance at Fulham was poor. We saw a response.

The Baggies were, however, dominant against Liverpool, pressing and challenging their opponents. The same could be said for the spirited performance against a hitherto confident Everton side.

Conviction and desire was the order of the day at White Hart Lane – though the fixture computer was kind to pit Albion against a Spurs side very much in transition. Wins against Reading and QPR were deserved.

Albion are no longer a ‘reactive’ team, the kind who merely sponge up pressure before hitting back. They can still counter when necessary, but are now encouraged to pick away at opponents at their own will and convenience. Their game retains passing and dynamic values – just how Clarke wanted it to. This is good to see.